Tuesday, November 18, 2014

I've Never Done This...But...

Pain, according to World Book Dictionary means: a feeling of being hurt,
mental suffering, grief, sorrow, punishment, and penalty.

In
recent months it seems pain has been my constant companion. Physically,
mentally and spiritually I have experienced pain to some degree. Why
would I state that this could be good for me?

Pain is usually a symptom that something is wrong. I am not
a believer of the often taught doctrine that says: If you are sick it
is because you are in sin, or if you have financial difficulties it is
because you are in sin, etc.

I do believe that there are times
when we are reaping the harvest of our behavior therefore we may end up
sick because we have treated our bodies poorly or we may face financial
crisis because we have made poor financial choices or that we may suffer
spiritually because we chose to ignore God’s voice and run like Jonah
did. But I also stand on God’s word that clearly teaches us that some
illness and pain in our lives is merely caused so that the work of God
may be displayed in our lives. Read John 9:1-3During
the times that pain seems so prevalent in my life I find myself seeking
answers more than ever before. If the pain is physical I purpose to find
out why it is there and if there is some cause for it. A broken bone,
an infection, a pulled muscle are a few things that may cause physical
pain. Treating the pain is not going to heal the bone, infection or
muscle. You need to treat the actual cause.

The same holds true
for mental or spiritual pain or suffering. I can seek treatment for
depression, anxiety, fear, addiction or many other symptoms but I will
never be completely whole until I can find out what is causing the
symptom.

As I have studied and sought the Lord over the past
months and even years I have come to realize that most of the mental and
spiritual symptoms I face are caused because of a breach in my
relationship with my Lord. When I face times of loneliness, anxiety,
depression or fear it is usually because I have failed to keep my
relationship strong with my creator. I have allowed outside influences
to sever my ties with Him. I have chosen to focus more on circumstances
rather than to focus on God.

Psalm 42:5 “Why are you
downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”For a time
the writer of the above Psalm focused on self but came to the
realization that turning the focus to his Savior and God changed
everything. When symptoms well up within me I have a sure answer to the
problem. Turn my spirit, my soul (mind, will and emotions) back to the
Lord and find rest and refreshing. I am grateful that God has placed a
built in warning system within me. He’s given me times of pain,
suffering, sorrow, grief and even punishment to bring me back so my
focus is on Him.

And, in those times when my eyes are on Him and
my relationship with Him is strong yet the pain comes flooding into my
soul, I still can stand strong and trust that even through this His Work
Will Be Displayed!!

Have you faced pain in your life lately? Put your hope in God, and continue to praise Him while he works it out.

4 comments:

I've found that I take my questions to God. It is okay to ask why if we want to get God's perspective. As did the Psalmist, we go away with praise on our lips. He gives and takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord. Beautifully written, Cindy. Thanks for sharing.

Dear Cindy, I totally agree with White Lace and Promises(in fact want to visit her in a minute); I have found that it often shows how big or little my trust in Him is. Thank you for posting this-you have gone through so much and it is a testimony of your faith.Hugs, Noreen

Dear Cindy, what a beautiful post. I have found during my greatest trials God leading my way. I ask for direction everyday and then I try and be patient for the answers. If I think I have the answers from within, I find out real quick I'm out of touch with God. My painful mistakes show me I'm not the one in control. So glad you shared your post again and your heart. Blessings for a Happy Thanksgiving. XO